Danny Ross

Music Producer & Forbes Writer

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20 Reviews (2 Verified)
Danny Ross on SoundBetter

Apple-featured Producer/Songwriter — I’ve worked with Grammy-winning and #1 hit songwriters of Demi Lovato “Sorry Not Sorry,” Alessia Cara’s “Here” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Move You.” My indie band Cheap Synths is signed to Rough Trade and my music found sync placements ranging from an Apple commercial to MTV’s “Teen Mom” to ABC’s “The Rookie.”

I also write a music column for Forbes with 1 million+ readers. So when it comes time to release your music, I can offer you coaching on navigating the new music industry. I'm flexible with your budget so don't hesitate to reach out :)

My specialty is making left-of-center pop & indie from soup to nuts, including...

+ Full Record Production

+ Songwriting & Top-Line Writing (Lyric & Melody)

+ Mixing, Mastering & Editing

+ Arranging & Playing Guitars, Pianos, Synths, Drum Programming, String & Horns

+ Vocal Production (Comping, Melodyne, Alignment)

+ Artist Mentorship

HOW IT WORKS:
1. Message me!
2. Once the project is funded, we’ll book a date in the studio.
3. Together, we’ll craft a song and produce a record that you’re 1000% thrilled about
4. I’ll send you mix1 of our track. I offer 2 free revisions because I'm confident that you'll love the finished product. Once you approve the master and the funds are released, I’ll send the final files

*If you need something ASAP please message me for expedited pricing. And if I'm offering you a discount there will be no revisions.

Let's make a record!

Thanks for checking out my page. I'd love to hear about your project.

- Danny

Contact me through the green button above and let's get to work.

20 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Danny Ross
  1. Review by Angelo D.
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    Danny continues to be an entire factory of sound, ideas and magical production touches that are helping to bring my music to life. So happy to be working with such a patient (whew) and knowledgeable collaborator. There's many more songs to come! Thanks Danny!

  2. Review by Angelo D.
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    Danny is an incredible talent who immediately put me to work (and at ease) with my project. He is the rare combination of musician, technician AND artist - so his approach is from every possible angle. He overdelivered in terms of timing and the output and quality of the work was pristine. I couldn't be happier with what we did together and feel fortunate to have found him! Looking forward working with him again.

  3. Review by Jackson Hoffman
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    by Jackson Hoffman

    Danny is one of the most reliable producers I know. He is an incredible communicator and this manifests itself in so many great ways throughout the process. I would recommend anybody to work with him. You will create great work and have a great time doing it.

  4. Review by Tatiana Owens
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    by Tatiana Owens

    Danny is so great to work with!!! I’ll play a reference and he’ll come correct with something bomb! We’ve had a couple of good tunes already and my team is looking forward to the next!

  5. Review by Kate Anna
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    by Kate Anna

    Danny and I consistently have such a good time making music we both love. We get into the studio and are always proud of the final product. Danny puts in the time and are guaranteed to get a few good laughs by the end of the session too.

  6. Review by BenGraceMusic
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    by BenGraceMusic

    Danny is such a blast to work with. In only a few short sessions we walked away with a handful of songs that were produced. He's fast, funny & a very real human. He also makes some mean coffee

  7. Review by Tyler
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    by Tyler

    Danny is a joy to work with and extremely talented! He's also one of the hardest working guys I know. You can expect someone that's open to collaboration with a knack for getting things done while keeping it fun.

  8. Review by Peach Martine
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    by Peach Martine

    Danny is the most talented producer and writer I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. He’s so kind and fun to be around! I’ve made all my best songs with him.

  9. Review by Lindsay stovall
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    by Lindsay stovall

    Danny is one of my favorite people to write with. He’s open, extremely proficient, fun and funny as hell, and has the best ideas that push boundaries.

  10. Review by Ian Pollack
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    by Ian Pollack

    Can't say enough great things about Danny: excellent producer, passionate songwriter, and all-around wonderful person. I've loved collaborating with him in multiple genres (pop, country, R&B), and I know going into every session that he's going to take my work to the next level. Highest recommendations!

  11. Review by Simone
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    by Simone

    Working with Danny was everything I could've hoped for and more. He is such a hard worker and so passionate about what he does. Sessions with him are fun, productive, and energetic. He is so good at what he does and his creativity is contagious!

  12. Review by Michael Grubbs
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    by Michael Grubbs

    I’ve been lucky enough to spend years in writer rooms, co-writing songs with tons of established hit makers and artists. Danny is a talented songwriter/producer as well as a ton of fun to work with. He’s quick to listen to new ideas, inventive with his own, proficient on multiple instruments and a pro with Logic. He also has a deep knowledge of musical history, which is always a huge asset. I would definitely recommend working with him. FIVE STARS!

  13. Review by Theresa
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    by Theresa

    Danny Ross is one of a kind! He makes you feel super comfortable, listens attentively to your vision and brings your song magically to life.  Danny's attention to detail is super rare and he won't stop until the job is done. To top it off, he is also a very cool person and easy to talk to.  If you want to create HIT quality music (and maybe even make a friend along the way) look no further than Danny!!

  14. Review by James Downes
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    by James Downes

    Danny is a gem, so glad our paths crossed. We've had a number of awesome co-writes and collaborations, all of which left me amazed at his connection and love for music of the past, and his dedication to make music sound new and fresh. There's decades of knowledge in this guy and he's such a joy to work with and be around as he offers it to make a track sound better leaving his studio than when it arrived.

  15. Review by Kylie Odetta
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    by Kylie Odetta

    Danny is so much fun to work with!!! He's not only super talented and quick with his production skills, but he really takes the time to understand your vision and your overall musical vibe. I've worked with him multiple times now and have always come away happy. 100% RECOMMEND.

  16. Review by NOT SPENCER LUDWIG
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    Danny Ross is a BOSS! First of all he's a great person and a great hang. As a producer he's one of the few who can do it all and he's fast too. He's extremely intuitive and sensitive to the artist's goals, emotions and aesthetic and he will stop at nothing to make sure the end goal is achieved. If you're looking for someone who can get the job done and who will be a pleasure to work with along the way call Danny.

  17. Review by Tiger Darrow
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    I love working with Danny!! He approaches every session with an open heart and an open mind. He has amazing patience, works incredibly quickly, and is brilliant at interpreting my ridiculous onomatopoeic notes. One of my favorite things about working with Danny is that it always feels like a true collaboration--we both learn something new from each other every time--and that's so important as an artist, writer, and/or producer.

  18. Review by Beca
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    by Beca

    Danny is an amazingly talented producer and songwriter. We've collaborated on a few songs together and I can't wait to do more. He's highly attentive, efficient, and passionate about music and delivers high quality songs that are fun and unique to listen to. He's a total joy to know and to work with. Go for it!!

  19. Review by Matteo Scher
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    Danny is a fantastic producer and songwriter. He is easy to work with, professional, and highly communicative. He cares immensely about his work and always deliver records that are ready for the radio! Lastly Danny is a good person, and someone you will enjoy work with. Highly recommend!

  20. Review by Ashley Levy
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    Danny is an ALL-STAR PRODUCER!! I'm very proud to say that we've done incredible work together and will continue to do so. His magical ears and sonic know-how will make your production stand out from the rest while maintaining universal appeal. Can't recommend him enough!!

Interview with Danny Ross

  1. Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

  2. A: This is a business too enamored with inspiration and intuition. What matters is what you do with it. So practice, practice, practice. Learn all you can about every part of the process. And quantity leads to quality — output is everything.

  3. Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

  4. A: 1) Neuman microphone 2) UA Apollo Twin 3) Fender electric 4) Yamaha 1987 PSS-170 synth 5) any old laptop with Logic Pro

  5. Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

  6. A: I was an artist through my 20s, touring constantly, while writing and arranging for a 10-piece band. I was also working a day-job in government, learning how to organize and build community. After several years, I discovered I was better suited to being a behind-the-scenes songwriter and producer. I re-created a version of Taylor Swift's "1989" as a lark, and soon found myself writing a Forbes music column with a YouTube show. I'm happily making records ever since.

  7. Q: How would you describe your style?

  8. A: A producer who understands the importance of hooks, while always supporting an artist's strengths. I love pop music, but I want to hear sounds and chord changes and harmonies and lyrics I've never heard before. I guess that's what they call "alternative."

  9. Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

  10. A: James Blake. I'd love to see him in real time work up a song on the piano with his amazing vocal, and then transform into it electronic bliss. He's a great example of mixing old-time songwriting with innovative production.

  11. Q: Can you share one music production tip?

  12. A: Spend a lot of time with reference tracks to understand specifically what you're looking for in a production so we can re-create it. And for gear nerds: the SSL mix bus compressor, as well as Izotope Ozone for mastering.

  13. Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

  14. A: I'm mostly in the sonic world of alternative pop, and of course that inherently includes elements of electronic and hip-hop. But I grew up in the musical tradition of 60s-based rock, soul and folk music. So modern indie rock and organic instrumentation come naturally as well.

  15. Q: What's your strongest skill?

  16. A: My strongest skill is that I'm an empathetic and compassionate listener. I'm sensitive to the needs of artists and songwriters, understanding that a strong personal connection is the beginning to making a great record.

  17. Q: What do you bring to a song?

  18. A: I started as an artist, so I can relate to being the primary songwriter, lyricist, singer and instrumentalist. As I transformed into a producer, my skill set widened to include recording, engineering and mixing. So I've done a little bit of everything when it comes to this process and can offer expertise across the board.

  19. Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

  20. A: I'm especially proud of the two albums I made with a talented 15-year-old artist, Simone, because it encompasses everything I do — being empathetic and sensitive to the needs of young artists, recording impeccable vocals, tracking electronic and acoustic instruments, writing and building tracks from soup to nuts, having the ambition to make the best record we could ever imagine.

  21. Q: What are you working on at the moment?

  22. A: Writing a new song every week with my artist project Cheap Synths, along with several new singles with outside artists. Stay tuned!

  23. Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

  24. A: Ashley Levy, Spencer Ludwig, Jackson Hoffman, Ronnie DiSimone, Tiger Darrow

  25. Q: Analog or digital and why?

  26. A: Digital. And I say that as someone who became a musician because of The Beatles. I understand that the warm, organic, and imperfect sounds of analog are beautiful. But the convenience of digital is absolutely unmatched. We can create any sound any time from a bedroom, and the difference of sound quality is negligible. It's an amazing time to be a producer.

  27. Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

  28. A: That I will put every ounce of my knowledge, artistic intuition and training into your song. It will become my song too, treated with the utmost care and detail in every aspect so we both can be proud.

  29. Q: What do you like most about your job?

  30. A: I get to make music every day for a living. This is literally my dream.

  31. Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

  32. A: Do you write music and lyrics too? Yep! That's how I started — singing with a guitar or piano.

  33. Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

  34. A: One misconception possibly is that music producers can make a significant impact on the promotional/industry side once the record is finished. I can help, but that work really is up to the artist.

  35. Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

  36. A: How do you feel most comfortable recording vocals? What are inspiration tracks for the song? Do you feel comfortable working remotely if needed? Where are you from originally? How did you get into this crazy business? What inspires you?

  37. Q: What's your typical work process?

  38. A: We can start writing a song in any number of ways. Most commonly, we'll start writing a song by telling stories, discovering sounds, listening to references and experimenting — and then melodies, lyrics and groove will organically follow. Another fun option is to sit with a guitar and piano the old-fashioned way and write chord changes, melodies and lyrics followed by a detailed production.

  39. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  40. A: I work from an Apollo Twin audio interface with plugins by Universal Audio, Fabfilter, Waves and Soundtoys. I have a Neumann microphone, Arturia MIDI keyboard, a Fender electric guitar, Hofner bass and Kurtzweill full-weighted electronic piano. I also have the Arturia library of synth sounds, as well as original analog Casio synths,

  41. Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

  42. A: Like many artists before me, I was inspired to become a musician because of The Beatles. Precisely because they were self-contained and could achieve any sound they desired. But also because they were constantly pushing boundaries and taking sonic chances. But as my taste evolved into the modern era, I've become fond of productions by Jack Antonoff (Taylor Swift, Lorde, St. Vincent, Lana Del Ray), Blake Mills (Perfume Genuis, Alabama Shakes), Ricky Reed (Lizzo), Ian Kirkpatrick (Dua Lipa) and Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Strurgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton). I also love indie projects like Frankie Cosmos, Jay Som, Courtney Barnett and Phoebe Bridgers.

  43. Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

  44. A: I write, record, mix and master records from soup to nuts. Happy to work with artists through every step of the process — or to separate them out on an individual basis. I'm also an instrumentalist, vocalist, beatmaker and string/horn arranger. So we can achieve any sound together — that's my promise.

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Simone – Kissing Strangers

I was the Producer, Instrumentalist, Mixer, Mastering Engineer in this production

Terms Of Service

- 2 free revisions (each additional revision costs $100) - Must be included in pub and master % negotiable. Can work out specifics together! - No refunds

GenresSounds Like
  • Bleachers
  • Taylor Swift
  • Mac DeMarco
Gear Highlights
  • UAD Apollo Twin
  • Neumann TLM 103 Microphone
  • Fender Guitar
  • Hofner Bass
  • Arturia Synths
  • 100s of plugins
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SoundBetter Deal

Refer a client and if they book with me you'll get $100 off your next project!